The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-29

exceed year and half of schooling. During
those early years in Florida ] worked like the
veriest slave by day and studied by the light
of n pine knot or tallow dip far into the night.
In this way l fitted myself for the bar, to
which / was admitted in 1858. The records of
my legal career are scattered all over Florida
and lap over into several other states. | had
to fight against race prejudices and was entire
ly without backing or influence, but
climbed to the very pinnacle Of legal
distinction before entering q political
career. / was particularly versed in
all matters pertaining to constitutional law,
and was quite universally regarded as authori-
ty upon that subject. My political career be-
gan with being elected to the legislature.
was member of the legislature which sent
me to the senate III 1874 Since that time my
career has been national property, and you are
doubtless familiar with it. 1t may be that
have endowed the office of senator with high
and holy qualities which it does not rightfully
possess, but ] entered the senate chamber with
reyerent tread and never quite lost my veneer
alton for it. ! lost sight OF all selfish ambi-
ton and tried to give my life and my best eff
forts to my country. That is why | came
forth poor and pure / wish it understood -
and the eyes of the ex-senator snapped with
enthusiasm, that L shall have friends in
Florida Had ] chosen to return to the senate
l could readily have done So"
When the talk drifted on to his future plans
he closed up instantly. His friends tonight
gave up hopes of getting him to return home.
Since the expiration of his term of Office ex-
Senator Jones has not been prominently before
the people Of the country. Up to that time he
drew unpleasant notorety upon himself; but
few men could have more quietly or more stub
borny submitted to the adverse criticism to
which he was subjected. He had suddenly
left his place in the senate where lie had ac-
quircd an enviable reputation because of his
craftsmanship his ability as constitutional
lawyer and his honesty. lie came to Detroit
three years ago, upon invitation OF W. q.
Thompson to make a visit, which has grown
into a permanent stay. Much was at first
made of him. He was genial Socable, able
and possessed of sufficient means TO live ex-
pensively. With those means he was ever
ready to aid the numerous calls Of charity, and
he very soon became identified with the cur
rent local movements Of men and affairs. He
occupied luxurious apartments at the Russell
house, sought ont the kindred spirits of the
city and made desirable acquaintances all over.
Among these was Miss Clotde Palms, q
young lady Of great wealth, pleasing manners
and the highest position socially. Far from
being a beauty, she nevertheless was found by
ex-senator Jones TO be extremely attractive,
and he at once became her avowed sutton He
was persistent, but it is believed that the lady
never for moment gave him serious thought,
and the long siege came to an inglOriOus end.
1t is understood that he thinks il was through
no fault Of his own or prejudice on the part
of Miss Palms that he did not succeed in this,
probably his last love affair. But am explana-
tion Of why ne failed, or Of why he refused to
return, either 10 Washington or to Florida, Oh
to leave Detroit at all, is necessarily some
what vague because the reasons at which hc
hints are uncertain and apparently based
upon a foundation OF little fact and much i'm.
agination.
He believes himself the victim Of con
spiracy within the democratic party. This
combination against him involves statesmen,
politicians and newspapers. II followed him
through tour o. Europe, was made chiefly
manifest at the banquet given him by the lord
mayor OF Dublin, logged his official life at
Washington thwarted his purposes. maligned
bis character and was menace 10 his life.
This, iu brief. has been tic cT-senaior's bette
nOir. lie has limited ~ assassination If he
wont nome has cen malice in items Of the
eastern press that seemed perfectly innocent
TO all others, aud has traced the evidences Of
conspiracy among legi slative members iu their
prescribed course ol public duty Iie has
vowed that he viii down al this opposition
and with this vow Is linked anothcr-tlIat he
wiz remain in Detroit until that purpose is ac-
cOmpii5hed.
AZ one time his belief that be was the VIC
tim Of o conspiracy, found vent in some re-
nafkablc letters written % his friends here.
They are said 20 have been violent 20 an aston
i,hing degree. Whatever may have been their
character. il was from them that then started